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El Cotillo

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City
—°7
El Cotillo (Spain)
ℹ️

Practical info — El Cotillo

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • El Cotillo has two coastlines: the calm lagoon beaches (Lagos) south of the harbour, handy for families, and the wilder surf beaches to the north. Choose according to your preference.
  • The sunset from the cliffs by the old fortress tower (Castillo del Tostón) or near the lighthouse is spectacular.
  • Be prepared for wind, especially on the northern beaches. A windbreak is often useful.
  • Parking is generally easy and free, but the spots right by the most popular beaches like La Concha can fill up quickly.

🍽 Food

🍽
Pescado del día

Try the 'fish of the day' in one of the restaurants in the old harbour. It doesn't get any fresher.

🍽
Papas Arrugadas con Mojo

A Canary Islands classic. These small, salty potatoes are served with a spicy red or green sauce.

🍽
Queso Majorero

Look for the local goat cheese, often served grilled with honey or as part of a tapas platter.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Aloe Vera Products

Fuerteventura is famous for its aloe vera. You'll find high-quality gels and creams in the small shops in the village.

🛍
Surf Shops

Along the main streets, there are several shops dedicated to surf culture, offering local brands and gear.

🧘
Playa de la Concha

This white-sand beach with its calm, turquoise water is excellent for a relaxing swim, especially at low tide.

🧘
Walk to the Lighthouse

Take a walk or a bike ride out to the Faro del Tostón. The surrounding barren landscape and the ocean views are very calming.

🧘
The Old Harbour

Stroll through the narrow streets of the old fishing harbour, away from the busier main roads, to feel the authentic atmosphere.

El Cotillo has retained the charm of a traditional Canarian fishing village despite tourism. To the north of the village lie the famous lagoon beaches like Playa de la Concha, where white sand and black volcanic rocks meet crystal-clear turquoise waters. These shallow basins are excellent for relaxing and snorkeling. In contrast, Playa del Castillo to the south has wild waves, making El Cotillo a mecca for surfers and kitesurfers. The historic center around the old harbor is known for its excellent seafood restaurants serving freshly caught local fish. A significant monument is the 'Castillo del Tostón', a round 15th-century defense tower that now houses exhibitions and provides fantastic views over the cliffs. North of the village, the strikingly striped lighthouse Faro de el Tostón marks the northwesternmost point of the island. El Cotillo is the handy place for travelers seeking peace and wishing to feel the original power of the island. The sunsets here are considered the most beautiful in all of Fuerteventura. Despite the relaxed atmosphere, there are small art galleries and handicraft shops that enrich the cultural life. The drive from Corralejo takes about 20 minutes via a well-maintained road through the barren volcanic landscape.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C181818192021222323232119
Rain mm12168531132131714

Live webcam – El Cotillo

See what it looks like near El Cotillo right now.

La Oliva › South-west: Castillo del Tostón - El Cotillo · 0.3 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
1,190
Coordinates
28.68361, -14.01111

Facts

  • Famous for crystal-clear swimming lagoons
  • Top destination for surfers and kitesurfers
  • Historic Castillo del Tostón defense tower
  • Traditional seafood restaurants at the old harbor
  • Faro de el Tostón lighthouse with a museum
  • Most spectacular sunsets on the island
  • Original flair without large hotel chains
  • Playa de la Escalera natural beach to the south

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town El Cotillo (7)

Mirador Hornos de cal🌿 nature

This viewpoint in El Cotillo provides expansive coastal views near the historic lime kilns.

Caleta del Rio🎡 recreation

This wild, rock-surrounded coastal beach in El Cotillo blends into an untouched natural landscape.

Esqueleto Zifio comun📍 landmark

This outdoor attraction in El Cotillo showcases the impressive skeleton of a Cuvier's beaked whale.

Piedra Playa🎡 recreation

This long stretch of sandy beach backed by cliffs in El Cotillo is a paradise for surfers.

Playa del Castillo🎡 recreation

This scenic sandy beach in El Cotillo impresses with its dramatic coastal landscapes.

Molino de El Roque📍 landmark

This traditional stone windmill is a characteristic landmark of the landscape around El Cotillo.

Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Buen Viaje🏺 historical

This appealing coastal chapel in El Cotillo is dedicated to the patron saint of travelers.

Frequently asked questions

Why is El Cotillo popular with surfers?
Because of the strong surf and excellent waves on the southern beaches (Playa del Castillo).
Are there calm beaches for swimming?
Yes, north of the town are beautiful lagoons with crystal-clear, calm water.
What can you see at the Faro de Tostón?
A striking lighthouse that also houses a museum of traditional fishing.
What food is especially fresh in El Cotillo?
Since it is a fishing village, you should definitely try the fresh catch of the day.
Is El Cotillo a lively tourist resort?
No, it is much more relaxed and quieter than Corralejo or Caleta de Fuste.
El Cotillo: where is it located?
El Cotillo is located in Spain.
El Cotillo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mirador Hornos de cal, Caleta del Rio, Esqueleto Zifio comun.
El Cotillo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Nov.
El Cotillo: why is it worth visiting?
El Cotillo has retained the charm of a traditional Canarian fishing village despite tourism.
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